Global art fairs Frieze Seoul and Kiaf Seoul are set to open on Sep.t 4 at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. Frieze, one of the top two global art fairs alongside Art Basel, made its Asian debut in Seoul in 2022, marking a significant milestone for the Korean art market. Last year, Frieze Seoul attracted 70,000 visitors, while Kiaf Seoul drew 80,000, heating up the art scene.
This year’s Frieze Seoul, now in its third edition and running from Sep.t 4 to 7, features around 110 galleries from both domestic and international markets, down slightly from over 120 last year. Top global galleries such as Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, David Zwirner, Lehmann Maupin, and Thaddaeus Ropac are participating. Korean galleries, including Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, and Arario Gallery, will also have a presence. Gallery Hyundai presents new works by Jeon Joon-ho, who explores sculpture through computer programs. Gagosian showcases Derrick Adams in his first solo exhibition in Seoul, alongside works by Maurizio Cattelan and Paik Nam-june. Hauser & Wirth features artists such as Rita Ackermann, Louise Bourgeois, Ed Clark, and Nicolas Party. Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, said, “This year, 23 new galleries are participating,” adding, “Many are exhibiting in Seoul for the first time, highlighting Frieze Seoul’s expanding influence.”
Frieze Masters, one of the most popular sections featuring major masterpieces from ancient art to the late 20th century, focuses this year on Asian galleries. Wooson Gallery is holding a solo exhibition of works by Lee Myung-mi, while Hakgojae Gallery is presenting seven Korean modern and contemporary artists, including Byun Wol-ryong, Chung Chang-sup, Kim Whan-ki, Lee Joon, Paik Nam-june, Park Young-ha, and Ryu Kyung-chai.
Kiaf Seoul, running from Sept. 4 to 8, features 206 galleries from 22 countries, including 132 from South Korea. Over a third of the participating galleries are international. Hwang Dal-seung, chairman of the Galleries Association of Korea, noted, “While the venue space has been expanded, we have reduced the number of galleries by applying stricter selection criteria.” In the main Galleries section, 165 galleries have booths. Kukje Gallery highlights works by first-generation Korean female sculptor Kim Yun-shin, and Leeahn Gallery presents works by Kim Taek-sang.
The Solo section spotlights 14 galleries, each dedicated to a single artist, while the Plus section, featuring galleries operational for less than 10 years, includes 27 galleries focusing on emerging artists. Admission fees are 250,000 won for the preview and 80,000 won for general admission.
